Kilrea's 2024 Fairy Thorn Festival promises something for all ages as programme is launched by Mayor

The 2024 Fairy Thorn Festival programme has been launched with the Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council on hand to hear about the packed schedule running over the three-day event next month.

Following the success of the Festival’s return in 2022, and a one-day-only event in 2023, this year’s programme promises audiences of all ages guaranteed entertainment, fun, competitions – and the chance to socialise with friends, family, neighbours and visitors. 

The weekend kicks off on the afternoon of Friday, August 16 with live music in The Diamond, followed by the Opening Ceremony in The Fairhill.  There’s then a choice of activities in the evening including a walking tour, Ulster Scots exhibition, Comedy Night* at the Old Point, and Glitzy Glamour* at Kilrea Golf Club.

Saturday starts early with a golf competition and Tribe-Fit Games, with a packed schedule for the rest of the day including bowls, Family Fun Day in the Marian Hall, Art Exhibition and Participatory Budget (PB) Display in the Town Hall, and the return of the WI’s Flower & Craft Show. 

Highlight of the afternoon will be the ever-popular vintage rally  – a must for all the family. While Church Street is closed for the rally, Beat the Bell invites runners of all ages to find out who can run between the Diamond and Church of Ireland faster than the church’s tolling bell -  we’re keeping this old Kilrea tradition alive after it was relaunched at the 2022 festival.  A treasure hunt ends off the family-focused activities for the day.

Local musicians will be playing in the Golf Club and Owenie’s Bar in the afternoon, with More Power to your Elbow* taking to the stage in The Manor from 9pm to late.

New for 2024 is Teen Outdoor Pursuits catering for children in school years eight to 12.  This is being delivered at Woodhall Outdoor Learning Centre on both Saturday and Sunday – pre-registration is required.  The Fairy Thorn’s traditional 5-a-side soccer** competition will also run all week, starting on Wednesday, August 14.

A Big Breakfast gets proceedings under way on Sunday in the Marian Hall, where diners will also be able to taste international dishes from the homelands of some of our Kilrea residents. And that’s not all – the brilliant Bronagh from Bakehouse will be there making traditional Irish fare on her trusty griddle.

In the Fairhill, a kids’ funfair runs from 12noon to 4pm, with a fire station display on at the same time.  Also starting at 12noon is the Art Exhibition/PB Display in the Town Hall, while River Bann Tours will run boat trips from Portneal to Movanagher hourly between 1pm and 5pm – trips will be bookable in advance on their website.

The Town Hall will also host the Festival’s first ‘Sofa Talk’ at 2.30pm.  Kilrea-born journalist Patricia Buller will interview local ‘success stories’. Guests on the sofa will be confirmed in early August. This event will be accessible for the deaf community with a BSL Interpreter in attendance.

Sunday evening begins its conclusion with the traditional Fancy Dress Parade which will finish at the Closing Ceremony in the Fairhill.  Last event of the weekend will be the music finale* from 7pm in Owenie’s Barn, featuring local musicians and Rusty Jacks headlining.

Andrew Hickey, Chairperson of the Kilrea Community and Fairy Thorn Association, said: “We’re looking forward to delivering the 2024 festival in a few weeks and hope to see many locals and visitors over the three days.

“We’ve taken feedback on board over the last two years and hope that our new programme means we are catering for as wide and diverse an audience as possible, while showcasing all that Kilrea and the local area has to offer.”

Brenda Munro, Committee Member of the Kilrea Community and Fairy Thorn Association, explained what makes the festival so special. 

“There is nostalgia with the festival for people. People remember coming out to the event for years. They remember their parents and grandparents going to the festival. They remember their family members taking part in the event so they keep coming back. It brings people together from both sides of the community. It creates a lot of community spirit within the town and surrounding areas," she said.

*These Over 18 events require ticket purchase.  Tickets will be on sale in the Town Hall on Saturday, August 3 from 10am to 1pm on a first-come first-served basis.  Maximum purchase is six tickets per person which can be split across the different events  - this limit has been set to ensure as many people as possible can have the opportunity to purchase the tickets of their choice.

**Any teams wishing to register for the soccer competition should text Sean on 07471688160

Further information on all events and tickets can be found on their Facebook and Instagram pages, with a full schedule available here

The Fairy Thorn Festival 2024 has been made possible by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council Tourism Events Fund and through sponsorship from local businesses.  The 2024 main sponsors are Donaghy Bros, Europa Foods, Hutchinson Engineering, and KRD Credit Union.